by Theleaders | August 7, 2026 8:23 pm
MELAKA, Aug 7 — The government will seek to increase defence allocation in Budget 2027 to strengthen the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) readiness and improve personnel welfare, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said greater investment was necessary to safeguard national peace, which he described as the country’s most valuable asset.
“Defence readiness must be maintained at all times because conflicts do not occur when expected. We cannot wait for another country to declare war before we begin preparing,” he said at the Semarak Kenegaraan programme with the MAF at Terendak Camp here today.
Anwar also called for military weapons and equipment to be procured systematically and transparently, without profiteering or excessive commissions paid to outside agents.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Army chief General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman.
Anwar said the proposed increase would cover personnel welfare, including upgraded living quarters, a new hospital and maintenance of basic facilities such as water supplies.
“Over the past three years, the Madani Government has increased the Defence Ministry’s allocation by more than 35 per cent.
“This is not a small increase, but it is not widely known. Expressions of support and concern mean little if equipment remains in poor condition or procurement is mired in controversy,” he said.
Anwar said the improving economy would allow the government to consider higher defence allocation, supported by a stronger ringgit, increased foreign investment and controlled inflation.
Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on October 9.
At the event, Anwar also announced RM147,000 for the Armed Forces Family Welfare Association and RM1 million to maintain mosques and prayer halls at four military camps in Melaka: Terendak, Sungai Udang, Masjid Tanah and Bukit Beruang.
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